From the first-base dugout at Rogers Centre, the Mets manager had a clear enough view in the ninth inning to know Yunel Escobar never applied the tag as Mike Baxter attempted to stretch a single into a double. Baxter was called out, all but killing the Mets’ comeback hopes in a 2-0 loss to the Blue Jays.

Collins argued the call, but didn’t get very far.

“[Knight] said he thought [Escobar] tagged him on the back,” Collins said. “I said if he didn’t have a good view of it to ask [for help], but he said he couldn’t, so that was it. I had no argument.”

Baxter was apologetic afterward for his emotional outburst after getting called out, but said there was no question he was safe.

“I’m not trying to show anybody up, but I definitely got caught up in the moment,” Baxter said. “Where [Knight] was standing was what he saw. That is the reality of the game. They are not robots.”

Brandon Morrow then retired Daniel Murphy for the final out, leaving Scott Hairston at third.

“We’ve lost a lot of games in exactly the same manner where the other team starts banging out hits,” Collins said. “I know Brandon pitched a tremendous game, but that’s a tough one to lose.”

* David Wright, who is battling flu-like symptoms and did not play, told Collins he expects to be ready for today’s series finale. Wright was scheduled to have yesterday off anyway, but would have been available to pinch-hit if healthy.

* Chris Schwinden will be at Rogers Centre today as a potential roster replacement should the Mets place Miguel Batista on the disabled list. Jordany Valdespin was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo yesterday to create roster space for Jeremy Hefner.

The move left the Mets with a short bench, but Collins said another position player will arrive for tomorrow’s game in Pittsburgh.

* Ruben Tejada (quadriceps) has begun running in a straight line and could start playing minor league rehab games by tomorrow. Jason Bay (fractured rib) may start taking batting practice tomorrow before heading to Port St. Lucie.

* Jenrry Mejia pitched three innings for Double-A Binghamton against Portland, allowing one earned run on six hits and no walks.

The righty, who is returning from Tommy John surgery, remains on the Mets’ radar for a bullpen or starting job this season.